In a harrowing sequence of events on December 8, 2023, a 27-year-old Black / African American woman named Azairah Nocomus Brownlee lost her life in Columbia, Missouri. Remembered as a smart, kind, and giving soul who adored her daughter, Azairah’s death was not a random act of violence but one that allegedly stemmed from a tumultuous past with an ex-boyfriend. She was a graduate of Hickman High School and was known for her love of music, dancing, and engaging in deep conversations. Her friends and family recall her as someone who would gladly give anything she had to someone in need and cherished the time spent with her daughter, nieces, and nephews.
The circumstances that led to her death began to unfold on Typhoon Court, where an altercation with her ex-boyfriend, John Williamson III, escalated tragically. According to court documents, Williamson, also 27, was seen banging on the driver's window of Azairah's car before climbing into the truck's bed. A physical fight ensued between the two, culminating in Azairah being shot once in the neck. In the hours leading up to the fatal encounter, it is alleged that Williamson had called her dozens of times, restricting some of the calls to hide his number. This relentless pursuit painted a grim picture of the moments before her death.
Following an investigation by the Columbia Police Department, John Williamson III was arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. He is currently being held in the Boone County Jail without bond. Court records reveal a troubled history between the former couple, with allegations that Williamson had previously assaulted Azairah. In one instance, he was accused of striking her in the head with a handgun and, on another occasion, punching her in the head multiple times. A preliminary hearing for Williamson was scheduled for early January 2024 as the legal proceedings in this tragic case began.
